Designed and originally built by Grumman Aircraft Corporation, 9,839 TBF/TBM Avengers were built between 1941-1968. General Motors would continue production in 1943 of the Torpedo Bombing Fighter (TBF) which was a massive single-engine aircraft, the largest and heaviest of the war, and employed a three man crew. Powered by a fourteen radial engine producing 1900 horsepower, the topedo bomber began its career at the Battle of Midway.

Interestly, George H.W. Bush (41st President) piloted an Avenger, while actor, Paul Newman, was an Avenger rear gunner. On Decmber 5, 1945, the post-war disappearance of five American Avengers, known as Flight 19, added to the Bermuda Triangle legend.